Living Large In Small Spaces - Wishbone Barn Conversion

A 500 year-old "rough-luxe" barn located in Malvern Hills, Worcestershire is this week's featured small space.

Welcome to the 114th post in the series
"Living Large in Small Spaces".

Discovered by the current owners "whilst looking for the perfect retreat to escape," the Grade II listed barn has quite a historic past: "There is reputed to be a plan of Bank Farm area in The West Minster Abbey Archives, showing the house and pond as it was in the1400's. By 1876 the farm belonged to Earl Beauchamp and in 1919 was sold to Stephen Ballard the second, who was son of Stephen Ballard who engineered and built the railway tunnel through the Malvern Hills. He also built Jubilee Drive which runs from the Wyche cutting to British camp to celebrate Queen Victoria´s Golden jubilee in 1887. The farm was then turned into a fruit farm. Some of these ancient apple trees remain in the orchard in front of the barn, which has an amazing display of pink blossom in May."

Nestled between the primeval apple orchard and a private fishing lake, this stunning barn conversion has kept its historic roots without sacrificing modern conveniences. 

The sympathetic renovation retained the original timbers, stone walls and vaulted truss ceilings. Additional wood and stone came from around the farm.

Facing the double blue barn doors is a velvet sofa that lends a touch of luxury to the rustic interior.

The trunk coffee table adds character and doubles as hidden storage.

The view from this space is breathtaking.

In this open floor plan the sofa separates the sitting area from the dining.

There's a sense of balance here, with the furnishings complementing the architectural beauty and not upstaging it. As the owner explains, "The refurbishment of the barn came from the desire to preserve and highlight the amazing internal features but not overwhelm them with the interior refurbishment It was so important to utilise many pieces I have collected over the years like the little time worn wall cupboard, the antique meat safes, the vintage console table and all the collectable accessories."

The handmade kitchen was repainted to Lead Grey. Stairs lead to the hayloft -- more about that later.

In a sea of soothing neutral tones the kitchen's red cooker makes a perfectly bold statement.

Behind a "puddled heavy" curtain lies the master bedroom.

Large enough for a king-sized bed with room to spare for an antique dresser

An ensuite bathroom has shabby chic charm.

And a gorgeous walk-in shower.

Upstairs the old hayloft is now a sanctuary for naps or curling up with a good book.

Or just enjoy the fresh air and views from the hayloft's open wooden door.

Outdoor living is as special as the indoors at Wishbone.

Sixteen beautiful green acres surround the barn.

The private picnic area offers a lakeside view while enjoying a meal.

A friendly equine neighbor completes the bucolic scene.

Wishbone's owners sum up the wonder of this place so well: "We were inspired to make this humble countryside building an interesting and beautiful place to stay and with the barn doors open and the amazing view of the Malvern Hills unfolded before you – it feels magical and a place unspoilt and changed by time and time to rediscover yourself."

I couldn't agree more. Seeing Wishbone inspires me to bring more magic into my own small cottage.

The Wishbone is a vacation home available for rent from Unique Home Stays,   www.uniquehomestays.com 

+44(0) 1637 881183.

Images © Unique Home Stays www.uniquehomestays.com +44 (0) 1637 881183. 

Join me next Saturday for another post in the special series

 Living Large in Small Spaces

See more home tours in the 

Living Large In Small Spaces Series here.